Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Dallas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Dallas or Calgary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Calgary can help you decide which place is right for you.
Dallas
Dallas is a upscale, chic, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Dallas travel costs.
Calgary
Calgary is a local, authentic, and western city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Calgary travel costs.
Dallas and Calgary: Pros and Cons
Dallas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for students
- Less popular with backpackers
Calgary
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular for food
Is there more to do in Dallas or Calgary?
You'll generally find more things to do in Dallas than Calgary. Dallas is bigger than Calgary, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Calgary is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Dallas is well known for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. Also, Dallas is famous for the Sixth Floor Museum.
How is Dallas different from Calgary?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary and Dallas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dallas or Calgary?
Dallas
Calgary
Dallas is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dallas. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.
Is the Food Better in Dallas or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Dallas
Calgary
Dallas is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.
Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.
Is Dallas or Calgary Better for Nightlife?
Dallas
Calgary
Dallas is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
Dallas is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.
If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.
Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Calgary?
Dallas
Calgary
Dallas is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
Dallas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.
Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.
Is Dallas or Calgary Better for Families?
Dallas
Calgary
Dallas is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.
Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.
Is Dallas or Calgary Better for Couples?
Dallas
Calgary
Dallas is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Couples visit Dallas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.
Calgary is a good city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.
Is Dallas or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Dallas
Calgary
Calgary is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.
Calgary is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.
Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.
Is Dallas or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Dallas
Calgary
Both Dallas and Calgary offer notable public transit options.
Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.
Calgary has some public transit options. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.
Is Dallas or Calgary a more walkable city?
Dallas
Calgary
Dallas and Calgary both are respectable when exploring on foot.
Dallas is generally not very walkable. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.
Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.
For even more information, also check out Is Dallas Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Calgary or Dallas?
How long in Dallas or Calgary?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dallas or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dallas than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.
Families should spend more time in Dallas than Calgary. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dallas, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Dallas than Calgary. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dallas that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dallas than Calgary if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Dallas.
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How many days in Dallas or Calgary? Ideal Length of StayDallas 2-4Calgary 1-2
One day in Dallas or Calgary?
In Dallas, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Calgary. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
A weekend in Dallas or Calgary?
In Dallas, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dallas has to offer.
Calgary is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Dallas or Calgary?
Dallas is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Dallas or Calgary?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dallas. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dallas. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the western destination of Calgary. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
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Dallas Prices
USA PricesCalgary Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDallas $166Calgary $177
The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $166, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $177. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dallas and Calgary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDallas $84Calgary $73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDallas $168Calgary $146
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Calgary
Looking for a hotel in Dallas or Calgary? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dallas Hotel Prices and Calgary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dallas $28Calgary $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:
- Allen or Plano to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $83
- Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $119
- Dallas Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $180
- Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
- Dallas to Dallas Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $90
- Dallas to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- One Way DFW Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $110
- Departure Private Transfer Dowtown Dallas to Dallas Airport DAL Luxury Vehicle: $83
- Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $138
- Plano/Allen to Dallas Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $160
- Private Arrival Transfer from DFW Airport to Dallas: $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Calgary Airport Transfer to/from Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise: $45
- Experience Private Airport Transfer in Calgary: $52
- From Bus Transfer to Banff: $60
- Banff Lake Louise or Canmore and Calgary Private Shuttle Transfer: $61
- Calgary Airport to Banff and Beyond Transfer Service: $65
- Private Transfers during Calgary Stampede: $72
- Prvt. Transfer YYC Airport to WinSport Olympic Park: $86
- Calgary Downtown Transfers: $86
- Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $101
- Private Transfer: Calgary Airport to Downtown: $110
- Private Transfer within Calgary from Airport or Hotels: $111
- Departure Private Transfer: Calgary to Calgary Airport YYC in Business Car: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Dallas or Calgary?
Prices for flights to both Calgary and Dallas change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayDallas $61Calgary $54
Typical Food Prices in Dallas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:
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Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)$55
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Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)$21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dallas.
- Downtown Dallas Walking Food Tour History and Cocktail Package : $25
- Discover Downtown Dallas Food Tour with Food Tours of America: $95
- Dallas Food Tour: 5 Epic Tastings in Deep Ellum: $99
- Uptown Eats! Trolley Tour with Food Tours of America: $99
- Downtown Dallas Holiday Lights Food Tour: $100
- Dallas Secret Food Tour: $104
- 5-course Walking Food Tour in Dallas : Cocktail package available: $109
Typical Food Prices in Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
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Bread, Chips, Cheese$8.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.
- Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
- Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
- Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $80
- Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $127
- Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dallas $13Calgary $15
Tours and Activities in Dallas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:
- Sweet Tooth Hotel Dreamland: Immersive Art Experience: $15
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Irving by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Denton by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Plano by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Reunion Tower GeO-Deck General Admission Ticket: $21
- Dallas Stars NHL Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $22
- SEA LIFE Aquarium Grapevine Admission Ticket: $22
- John F. Kennedy Trolley Tour in Dallas: $22
- Dallas' Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket: $25
- Dallas Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Sinister Strolls True Crime Walking Tour: $25
- JFK Assassination Highlights Walking Tour: $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary
Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Stampede Admission (for 2)$22
Tours and Activities in Calgary
Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.02
- Calgary City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based : $5.00
- Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.63
- Sam Centre Calgary Stampede Museum Ticket: $7.18
- Discover Calgary with 3 Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $15
- Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $21
- Shared Tour from Calgary to Moraine, Lake Louise and Emerald Lake: $28
- Calgary Flames Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $28
- Heritage Park Historical Village Admission Ticket: $29
- Victoria Park Mural Tour of Calgary: $37
- Calgary Self Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $42
- Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Half Day Tour: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDallas $12Calgary $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas
Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Dallas Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- 1-Hour Distillery Tour & Tasting in Dallas: $40
- Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
- DIY Candle Making Class at a Local Brewery in Dallas: $55
- Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55
Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary
Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues: $82
- Calgary Brewery Tour: $88
When comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Calgary, we can see that Calgary is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dallas Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dallas or Calgary?
Dallas has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Calgary. When comparing the sizes of Dallas and Calgary, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.